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“It’s in the same zone where Commander West wants to meet to do the exchange.”

“We send out the information just before you get to the site,” said Danni. “That should distract the State while you get to her. We go early, and surprise this commander.”

Jude nodded. “I’ll message her, let her know what’s happened.”

“No. We can’t risk the State knowing we’re coming for her,” said Danni.

Jude raked a hand through his hair. “She’s alone and needs us.”

“It seems like she’s managing.” Danni’s sharp features softened. “This isn’t easy for you, but we’ll have her back soon enough.”

Jude gritted his teeth. Octavia would be frantic with worry. She had no clue where he was or what had happened. Just a few words to let her know what was going on; that’s all she needed.

Heath’s hand rested on his shoulder. “Listen to Danni. We get to the site, transmit this information to the public, and get your girl back. We have to stick to the plan.”

Jude sighed before focusing back on the data streams. He couldn’t mess this up. “We’ve got another two systems to break through and then we’re ready to go.” This had to work. For Octavia’s sake, he would not let her down.

***

OCTAVIA’S BACK ACHEDand her fingers throbbed. She’d been working nonstop monitoring State comms streams. She’d even discovered a couple of signals in the Dinnorm language, but without her equipment, she hadn’t been able to follow it.

But she’d found something much more valuable. She couldn’t believe it when she saw the pattern coding program. Her stomach had churned with excitement as she’d scanned the data. This was what they were using to frequency hop and keep one step ahead. Now she knew how they did it, and the patterns they used. If she could get out of here, this would change everything. She could figure out their language and what their plans were.

Octavia hadn’t heard from Jude, and that made her sick with worry. Maybe the message hadn’t gotten through. There could be a security system that prevented external communications getting out. She’d come across a block in the system that she couldn’t get through. It was a sophisticated wetware wall that filtered outgoing messages. Her message to Jude could be stuck there, and he had no clue where she was or how she was doing.

Twice she’d had to hide when people came into the room. They never stayed long, simply checked data on a screen and left. It seemed this was a data processing area that ran on automation. It was perfect for Octavia. She had access to high-speed processing networks and had listened to numerous comms. One, in particular, had caught her attention. It discussed the recent attack on a death wall and the escape of all prisoners.

The news brought her a glimmer of hope. That could have been Jude and the others. Maybe they were taken to be executed and got away.

Octavia still wasn’t prepared to believe Jude was dead. Every time that thought entered her head, her heart curled in on itself. No, he was alive. He was a fighter; he had to live.

But she was worried. Jude might come after her. Trying to access this place would be a suicide mission.

Octavia tapped her fingers on the desk. She was surprised no one had found her. The camera in her cell must have been faulty. Or maybe they didn’t consider her a threat. One escaped prisoner wasn’t such a big deal. She’d show them.

It was time to try to get out again. If she didn’t go soon, someone really would find her. She couldn’t hide any longer. There was nothing more she could do to help from here.

Easing out of the chair and checking the corridor was clear, Octavia hurried out, keeping a close watch for any cameras or guards.

She made it through the next set of doors with no problem.

“Hey! Where are you going?”

Octavia’s heart pounded as she heard the male voice behind her. She glanced over her shoulder and saw a guard walking toward her.

“I’m going this way.” She kept on walking. Maybe if she acted as if she should be there, he would let her keep going.

“Hold on. No unauthorized personnel are allowed in this area. It’s for prisoners and guards only.”

“I was delivering a message.” She increased her pace. “I’ll be out of here in a second.” Octavia held the security pass out as she accessed the next door.

“Hold it,” yelled the guard. “I need to see your clearance.”

Octavia grabbed the door and pulled it shut behind her. She pounded along the corridor and turned left. There was a set of double doors in front of her, which she raced toward.

She looked through the glass in the door. There was a group of people staring at an enormous flat screen on the wall. She couldn’t see any guards.

Octavia shoved the door open and hurried to the edge of the group. She pushed her way through, but then slowed as she heard a familiar voice. She stared at the screen with wide eyes. It was Heath. He was alive!